Ethel I. Ritter

1925 - 2013

Ethel Ritter passed away peacefully on Feb. 13 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Denver on Feb. 9, 1925. She attended schools in Denver and Aurora, graduating from William Smith High School in 1942. She lived in Denver, Kansas City and Bakersfield, CA where she fulfilled, for a time, her high school wish to be a rancher. She married Bill Ritter in 1950 and together they had 12 children. Ethel was a bookkeeper for Merrick and Co. for many years. After retirement she lived for 16 years outside of Strasburg on a small acreage. She enjoyed volunteering for the Red Cross. She was preceded in death by her son, Danny, her sister, Bobbie, and her granddaughter, Betsy. She is survived by her daughters Judy (Bob) Kidd, Suzie (Curt) Boyd, Sheryl (Dan) Strange, Joann (Chris) Perkins, and her sons Charlie (Mary), Stephen (Rhonda), Former Colorado Governor Bill Ritter (Jeannie), Tom (Susan), Robert, Leo (MaryJane) and Chris (Diane) Ritter. She is also survived by 32 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She was an "adopted" mother to many who will also mourn her passing. She was a farm girl at heart who loved reading, camping, and doing puzzles and watching the Broncos. She was strong and courageous in the face of any problem. She devoted her life to her children and grandchildren and always had a spot at her table for those who needed a meal. She instilled in her family a love of God, and of family, a respect for the value of hard work and the need to stay strong and courageous. She will be forever missed and loved. Her Rosary will be held at Our Lady of the Plains Catholic Church in Byers, CO on Sunday, Feb. 17th at 5:30 p.m., and her Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 18th at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Aurora. Contributions can be made in her name to Red Cross - Colorado Chapter at 444 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203.